Mason Music Foundation

Our Mission: To empower, inspire, and enrich the lives of under-served children in local communities through life changing musical experiences.

Sign Up!

We are currently accepting applications for piano, voice, guitar, drum and violin students. Fill out the form by clicking the button below and we will contact you to match you with a great teacher, find a convenient time and day of the week for lessons and schedule your first music lesson!

Our model is built on long-lasting relationships with our teachers. In order to maintain those relationships, we compensate them at fair market value for their services. This allows us to attract and retain quality teachers for our students to learn from. In order to subsidize our lesson pricing, we raise money through private donations. Your gift will go toward the cost of lessons for a student right here in Birmingham who could not otherwise afford music lessons.

Many families have spare instruments that have been outgrown or have been gathering dust for years. We have an instrument collection program that connects unused instruments with children who are eager to learn, but unable to purchase one of their own.

We accept donations of gently-used guitars, amps, ukuleles and keyboards, as well as band and orchestral instruments in playable and good cosmetic condition. They will be refurbished and sent to school music programs. We do not accept pianos, organs or accordions. If you are unsure, contact us and we can tell you if we are able to accept your instrument.

Please complete and include our downloadable instrument donation form in the instrument case and drop off at any of our Mason Music studios. Be sure to make a copy of the completed form for your records, as the current estimated value of the instrument placed by you will serve as your receipt for tax purposes. A professional appraisal will need to be provided to us for any instrument valued over $5,000. For more information, visit Publication 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property.

We always like to know the history of the instrument and how you decided to donate it to us so please include that information. If you have any questions, please give us a call or e-mail sarah@masonmusicfoundation.org.

About Us

Who We Are

Mason Music Foundation is operated by Sarah Mason (above left) and Jeanette Hightower (above right). These two passionate individuals are dedicated to making a difference in Birmingham through the vehicle of music education. Sarah serves as the Programs Director and Jeanette is the Executive Director of the Foundation.

What We Do

Mason Music Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing the low income population and those with developmental disabilities with musical opportunities including instrument donations, private and group instruction, and chances to perform. This is achieved through strategic partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and private individuals. Through these unique services we believe major developments occur such as essential listening and motor skills, individual emotional and mental growth, expansion of self-confidence, acquisition of perseverance and self-discipline, and embracement of responsibility. Our goal is to provide these invaluable services at a greatly reduced cost, yet rich with creativity. Our lesson fees are calculated using an income-based sliding scale. Fill out our new student sign up form above and we will get in touch with you with more information.

Community Supporters
Our community partners are critical in helping us fulfill our mission. They include many individuals, as well as businesses and foundations such as the Independent Presbyterian Foundation, EBSCO, Mason Music LLC, Brookwood Dermatology, Charles and Lucy Mason, Otey’s Tavern and Taco Mama, Brian Burgess, Jennifer Beasley, Al LeJeune, and Frank and Karen Sottosanti.